10 Ways You Can Flavor Plain Yogurt

Plain yogurt is a great source of calcium (better even than milk), rich in protein, and it has plenty of probiotics, which are very good for our health. It is healthy and not expensive, but with these simple tricks you can make your plain yogurt even tastier:

1. Cocoa yogurt cup

2. Blueberry yogurt panna cotta

Stir together 1 cup vanilla Greek yogurt with 1 tablespoon whole fruit blueberry jam. Dissolve 1 packet (or 2 1/4 tsp.) gelatin over 1/2 cup milk in a wide bowl for about 3 minutes. Warm the other 1/2 cup milk until boiling, about 1 minute in the microwave. Pour hot milk over milk and gelatin mixture and mix gently until dissolved, and then stir into yogurt mixture until smooth. Pour into small bowls and let set at least 2 hours before serving cold. This recipe makes about 6 servings.

3. Yogurt oatmeal bowl

Use chilled leftover oatmeal and stir into yogurt drizzled with honey, for a whole new breakfast.

4. Banana yogurt icebox cake

Layer crushed graham crackers with vanilla yogurt and sliced bananas. Either serve in mason jars or a cake plate. Before serving let sit for at least 4 hours.

5. Strawberry greek frozen yogurt

This tasty yogurt is made with thick yogurt, fresh berries, lemon juice and honey. This very easy to make recipe tastes really refreshing, and it is very nutritious. You can also pour the mix into ice cream molds and skip the ice cream maker.

6. Fresh fruit yogurt

In a food processor puree 2 cups fresh fruit such as berries or mango and sweeten to taste with maple syrup or honey. Stir into plain yogurt to create naturally sweetened fruit flavor.

7. Stir into soups

Replace plain Greek yogurt with sour cream to bean soups, chili, or other Mexican foods for more nutrition and similar texture and flavor.

8. Yogurt fruit smoothie

Next time you make a smoothie, add yogurt. 1/2 cup yogurt, 1/2 cup milk, and 1/2 cup fruit is a basic method. Fruit chopped like as necessary with a little water or juice. If wanted you can add optional: nut butter, honey, and a small amount of spinach or kale.

9. Salsa yogurt dip

Mix equal amount of salsa and plain yogurt and serve as a dip for crackers, tortilla strips, quesadillas or veggies. Yogurt contains much higher protein amount than sour cream, which basically has none.

10. Whipped squash with yogurt

Peel, cube, and roast a winter squash. Even sweet potatoes can work. Put on a greased sheet pan (at 375 F) for about 1/2 hour or until very soft. Let cool and use a wooden spoon to whip together equal parts of squash and yogurt, mashing also the squash. It will get a bit fluffy if you use Greek yogurt, which is a plus. Sprinkle on some cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice and a bit of maple syrup or honey and serve up with a spoon in a pouch or in a bowl. This should taste like a light version of pumpkin pie!